← MongoDB
MongoDB role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
MongoDB is a flexible database that developers use to build apps, available as the Atlas cloud service.
Who you'd be calling
VP/Director of Engineering, application development leads, architects and CTOs at startups through large enterprises
Your opener
“Hi Chris, this is Alex from MongoDB. Lots of dev teams tell us their old database makes shipping new features slow and costly. Do you have a minute to see if that sounds familiar?”
Problems you solve for them
- Rigid old databases slow down building new features
- Legacy database licenses and upkeep are expensive
- Managing database servers takes engineers away from product work
Discovery questions to ask
- How easy is it for your developers to change the data structure when a new feature needs it?
- How much time does your team spend managing and maintaining databases?
- Are you planning any move to the cloud or any modernization of older apps?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy right now.”
→ Of course. Could we pick a 10-minute slot tomorrow or Friday that works better?
“We're not interested.”
→ Got it. Are your developers happy with how fast they can build on your current database?
“We already use Oracle, SQL Server or Postgres.”
→ Many of our customers did too, and still use them for some things. Is there any new project where a more flexible option could help?
“Send me an email.”
→ Happy to. What would be most useful: a note on cutting database costs or on building faster?
Competitors worth knowing
Amazon DynamoDB, Couchbase, PostgreSQL, Oracle
Interview tips for this company
- Know that Atlas is MongoDB's cloud version, where MongoDB runs the database for you.
- Be able to explain in one line what a 'document database' is: data stored like flexible files instead of rigid tables.
Written from public information about MongoDB to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.